Women's Soccer News: Puget Sound Sees Winning Soccer Weekend

Washington’s two new Puget Sound area Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) teams opened the 2012 season with wins, both against Oregon’s Eugene Metro FC Azul. Issaquah SC notched their first ever win on Friday, May 25, with a 3-0 victory over Eugene, while Emerald City FC won their first match 2-0 win on Saturday, May 26. The games were the first WPSL matches in the region since 2009.

Joana Houplin, an Olympia, Washington, native and member of the Western Washington University women’s soccer team, scored Issaquah’s first-ever WPSL goal in the first half. Her strike was followed quickly by a goal by Trinidad & Tobago Women’s National Team member Kennya Cordner for a 2-0 halftime lead. Cordner added a second goal in the second half for the final 3-0 score.

Issaquah SC defeated Eugene Metro FC Azul 3-0 on Friday, May 25. Photo Credit: Dale Garvey/goalWA.net	Emerald City FC defeated Eugene Metro FC Azul 2-0 on Saturday, May 26. Photo Credit: Wilson Tsoi/goalWA.net

On Saturday afternoon Eugene was done in by a second Western Washington University standout when Megan Chapin scored from the top left of the penalty box in the 23rd minute for Emerald City. The home side applied constant offensive pressure, nearly tallying again three minutes later on a shot by Jessica Carlson and again at the 36-minute mark when Hillary Zevenbergen’s shot sailed just over the crossbar.

Eugene opened the second half with an offensive push, but Emerald City’s defense was able to hold firm. Then in the 62nd minute Lindsey Bos of the University of Washington crossed a pass to Chapin who one-touched it to Taylor Culver. The College of Idaho standout fired from just outside the box for Emerald City’s second goal.

Emerald City continued to apply pressure, but Eugene was able to fend off further scores. The visitors nearly found the back of the net just before time ended but Emerald City’s Liz Ruiz made the save to preserve the shutout.

Issaquah will host Portland Rain at Skyline High School on Friday, June 1, before going on the road against Spokane Shine on Friday, June 8. Emerald City’s next home game is Saturday, June 2, in a friendly against Portland Timbers at Interbay Stadium.

Read more at goalWA.net: Issaquah Wins Opener; Emerald City Gem

Related Articles: WPSL on SoccerNation